Washington Common Council Meeting – September 14, 2026

The Washington Common Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on September 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Common Council Chambers. The public hearing (6:30–6:32 PM) focused on Ordinance No. 19-2026 for appropriations and tax rates. The council then introduced two ordinances, discussed a request for highland cows on a split‑zoned property, and received updates on the comprehensive plan, pool slide repairs, and ongoing highway work.

Public Hearing

• Ordinance No. 19-2026 (Appropriations and Tax Rates): The public hearing was opened at 6:30 PM and closed at 6:32 PM with no questions from the audience or council.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Council unanimously approved the minutes of the August 24, 2026 public hearing and regular meeting (motion by Councilman Dahl, seconded by Councilman Selby).
• Claims: All claims were referred to the Board of Public Works and Safety for final approval (motion by Councilman Emmons, seconded by Councilman [unidentified]).

Discussion Items

Ordinance No. 19-2026 – Appropriations and Tax Rates

• The ordinance was read by title and introduced. Key figures from the reading:
  • Estimated maximum property tax levy: $6,902,077
  • Total adopted budget: $17,672,963
  • Adopted tax rate: $2.229 per $100 assessed value (advertised high; Councilman noted last year’s adopted rate was $2.1665)
  • The adopted budget is $1.1 million higher than last year’s budget.
• The ordinance will be up for adoption at the next council meeting.

Ordinance No. 20-2026 – Stormwater Fee Amendment

• The ordinance updates Section 53.32 of the city code to add a “tax exempt municipal property” classification and fee.
• Details provided:
  • 116 municipal parcels identified; 62 pay‑in parcels will be billed a flat monthly fee of $762.60 (based on 2 ERUs at $12.30 per ERU).
  • Non‑residential property fee is capped at $108.75 per block.
• Council discussion centered on why the change is needed (compliance with state guidance from financial advisors Baker Tilly and Christenok) and that the fee shifts costs from utility ratepayers to the tax side. Council requested documentation on how the $12.30 ERU rate was calculated.
• The ordinance will be up for adoption at the next council meeting.

Request for Highland Cows (Animal Ordinance Amendment)

• Debbie Goodman addressed the council regarding a request to keep two highland cows on a 4.25‑acre fenced property for agri‑tourism (petting zoo) two weekends per month.
• The property has split zoning (S1 suburban and residential); the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) had already approved the animals.
• Council members asked for a formal written request with a site drawing before a vote; the request will be considered at the next meeting.

Comprehensive Plan Update

• Mayor announced that a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new comprehensive plan was sent to 14 engineering firms on September 11, 2026.
• Proposals are due October 16, 2026; interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 16, 2026.
• Estimated cost (from previous attempt with SIDC) was $60,000. The plan is needed for future grant applications and to guide development (e.g., data centers).
• Council member noted the city’s zoning maps are outdated and suggested updating them in conjunction with the comprehensive plan. The RFP includes a review of zoning maps, but full update may be separate.

Other Updates

• Pool slide repair: The liner was replaced (correct color now); first check has been issued. New slide expected by February 2027.
• Highway work (US 57/State Road 57): Councilman reported ongoing coordination with Grade X, EMB, and INDOT for straight‑edge work, sidewalk hole repair, and road closures. A two‑week closure of US 57 is planned starting September 21, 2026 to fix a damaged section near the produce patch. Harned Avenue will remain open.
• CCMG grant: The city has submitted its CCMG grant application and expects a decision in November 2026 for next year’s projects.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance No. 19-2026 and Ordinance No. 20-2026 were both introduced and will be considered for final adoption at the next regular meeting.
• The council directed the Goodman family to submit a written request with a property drawing for the highland cows; action deferred to the next meeting.
• The comprehensive plan RFP process is underway with a response deadline of October 16, 2026.
• No other business was raised; the meeting adjourned at an unspecified time, with a Board of Public Works and Safety meeting to follow in five minutes.